Headhunter and the Hiring Process

At this point you should leave the process in the hands of the headhunter. You trusted them to get you in the door and you would be betraying them by going around them without being directed to do so by them. They have a financial interest in getting you the position and need your support. Negotiations are what the headhunter is for and just wait to see if they ask you if you will accept a compensation package that was below your specified range. If you do not get the position chalk it up to experience. I assume they got you the interview in the first place. In the mean time keep looking and try other headhunters.
Good Luck...MPC

Since you've already had two interviews, you would be perfectly within your rights to call the potential employer personally and directly to inform him or her that you're very interested in the job. Ask him or her what impressions he or she has and what, if any, obstacles stood in the way of consummating an employment agreement. That way you are giving the employer the opportunity to open the door not only to the salary issue but also to whatever other detail may stand in the way.

My guessis that the headhunter is looking out for his own best interest, and perhaps doesn't want to lose you as a client if that particular employer isn't interested in you for some reason.

Take the initiative. Give that employer the message that you are enthusiastic about working there, and that you're willing to address any considerations that may prevent it.

Good luck,

Maxwell

Couple of other points:
1. The fact that the company is a MNC really doesn't have much bearing as to whether you should EXPECT a higher salary than a smaller company or a company that is not a MNC. It merely means thay may be better suited financially to pay a higher salary IF necessary.
2. When entering into a relationship with a headhunter (or any kind of agent), the relationship will only be fruitful if BOTH sides trust each other. You must trust the headhunter to have your best interests in mind (that's what you are paying him for). The headhunter must trust you to have represented yourself truthfully as far as experience and references provided. He also must trust you to let him do his job.

Going behind the baack of the headhunter, directly to the prospective employer would lead to a probable betrayal of that trust and could potentially lead to breach of contract. On the other hand, if you have specific reasons to not trust the headhunter, you need to end the relationship now.

Let me guess, you think that if you do the right song and dance, everything will automatically go your way, right?

There is no rhyme or reason when it comes to employment, none - ever.

Keep looking, don't talk to the employer, never tell someone you mind getting less..

If a company or ["headhunter" for that matter] plays games at any stage, disassociate yourself from them.
Always be persistant.It pays.
Settle for less once and you will continue to....
Much luck

Considering you have been to an interview,you could directly contact the employer with a thank you follow-up letter to the interview,indirectly expressing your interest in the company and stating your salary.

Being flexible in salary would be tothe employers advantage to take the lower salary,to which they will take advantage of the individual to accept added responsibilities once on board.
Sticking to your salary demands when you are aware that a lower salary proposal is on the table maynot be to your advantage,it could come down to the expierence.

Will the lower salary meet your basic cost of living,and will you be willing to take on added responsibilities,which the employer will take in consideration before hiring.

Dealing with the head hunter is another matter,first if you have signed any paper work that prohibits you from contacting the employer directly,and then consider why you have become doubtful of the head hunter to negotiate on your be-half,if thier is a comission invlved then the head hunter is looking out for his or her best interest.

Checking of references is in your best interest,that the employer is only checking up to see how you have performed on previous jobs,so then the head hunter may be trying to check the references to see how they will respond to the employer.

While I understand your interest in talking with the employer to expedite things, bear in mind going against the headhunters wishes may cause multiple problems. He may yet help you find a job there or elsewhere...and doing things against his recommendations will certainly not help you there. In addition, if he talks with the client and finds out you went "over his head" it may reflect poorly on you with both him and the potential hiring manager. Don't burn your bridges...if you were willing to "team up" with this headhunter then you should trust him to do his job...and listen to his advice when it comes to getting you yours. Just my .02

You need to talk to the head hunter again. Stick with the head hunter and if this job doesn't pan out, another job may with this same head hunter. While it wouldn't be appropriate for you to call that company directly, another follow up letter, showing continued interested in the position and that you are negotiable wouldn't hurt. Just be sure to advise your head hunter and send a copy to your head hunter.

There is always another job. Don't get hung on one job, keep looking.

Good Luck!

In today's economy your headhunter will keep your best interests in mind. He needs you to refer your associates to him. I was unemployed for 5 months. I have never given a company my salary expectations until they furnish me a starting point. Why eliminate yourself from the running if some other candidate is willing to take less.

Ask the prospective employer what the salary range is, and tell them you would be comfortable working within that range after you review the complete benefit package.

Hsve you been hired? Are you painting houses? How about some feedback?

No, I did not take up the job. Actually, the headhunter is overly optimistic. He read the situation wrong. The employer thinks that both the candidates are good in different ways but he think the other candidate is better matched to his requirements.
Somehow, the headhunter got the wrong impression and went off tangent.
Looking back, I should have estable out front in the interview that I WOULD CONTACT the employer, putting it in a nice way, of course. I don't think there is anything wrong with that. If I've set that expectation, it would be easier to call him up without feeling awkward about it.
I don't know if the position is filled.

subs_techrepublic@yahoo.com,

I'm sure that this was an enlightening experience for you. Personally, I've never actively worked with headhunters, although I have discussed career options with some. But I've always seemed to land on my feet into a good position.

There are positive aspects of every situation that a person can take with them for future reference. In this case, you have a better idea of how to interact with headhunters, what to ask, what not to ask, what to expect, etc. Most times, people learn more from failures and difficulties than they do from easy successes. I'm sure that this could indeed be the case for you.

Best of luck to you with your future career development.

By the way, if this issue is resolved, you should consider closing the question, accepting or rejecting the answers as you deem appropriate.

Regards,

Maxwell

Ask yourself this question:
If he employer wanted to go through he entire recruiting and hiring process himself, why would he use a headhunter at all?
When candidates stop working with the headhunter, especially after 1 or 2 interviews, things getmessy. I have had similiar situations happen, where I was the headhunter. Clients really start to get uneasy when the candidate starts contacting them directly if an offer has not been made.
If you have already interviewed, there should be no problem releasing your reference to the headhunter. Many clients will have the headhunter do most if not all of the references. If the headhunter has to call the employer because you wont give them, then that just makes you look difficult to deal with.
There is nothing wrong with telling a headhunter or recruiter you wish to hold off on providing references until an interview is scheduled. Most companies understand that. Tell the headhunter you will take less if you are really prepared to do so.

Most clients and headhunters have a process set in place. When the canidate tries to back door the headhunter, it does not often work in the candidates advantage.

We represent a Recruiting Company. My Job role is to provide psychometric testing. The best strategy for a candidate is to allow the agent to do their work. I am not sure what the return structure for the agent is but here in NZ they get roughly 12-15% of the starting salary or wage package. It may be helpful to know that if they dont place you they wont eat. Your Agent's motivation should not be questioned. The main issues are your personal specs experience, and references. From my view, reading your brief, it appears you are focussing on the rewards offerred. A more productive view would be to focus on what you can offer and produce to advance the interests of your employer. OFten you can only know this if you have done 'due dilligence',researching the employers position and demonstrating a committment to advancing their productivity and position in the market. (their growth is your growth and an acretion to your personal specs) The reason i say this is that often those that 'pip' you at the post will likely be this very type. Why would you work for less money if you are so valuable? Better to offer to take lower rate and review in 4 weeks on demonstration of your skills and acumen.